Peach tree named ‘Glacier Princess’

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of peach tree,  Prunus persica,  broadly characterized by a small size, somewhat weak, hardy, self-fertile, productive and regular bearing tree. The variety blooms during the early to mid season and requires about 475 chilling hours. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described in mid September, with first picking on Sep. 13, 2011. The fruit is uniformly large in size, globose in shape, freestone in type, firm and melting in texture, white in flesh color, mostly red to pink in skin color, and lightly acidic in flavor.

Botanical classification: Prunus persica.

Variety denomination: ‘GLACIER PRINCESS’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

In a continuing effort to improve the quality of shipping fruits, I, theinventor, typically hybridize a large number of peach, nectarine, plum,apricot, and cherry seedlings each year. I also grow a lesser number ofopen pollinated seeds of each of these fruits, usually to capturerecessive traits. The present invention relates to a new and distinctvariety of peach tree, which has been denominated varietally as ‘GlacierPrincess’.

The present variety was hybridized by me in 2004 as a first generationcross using an unnamed yellow flesh clingstone nectarine designated bycode number ‘52P566’ as the selected seed parent and ‘Snow Duchess’(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,281) peach as the selected pollen parent. Thefruit of this cross was gathered that summer, and the seeds wereremoved, cracked, stratified, germinated, and grown as seedlings ontheir own root in my greenhouse. Upon reaching dormancy the seedlingswere transplanted as a group to a cultivated area of my experimentalorchard located near Le Grand, Calif., in Merced County (San JoaquinValley). During the fruit evaluation season of 2007 I selected thepresent variety as a single tree from the group of seedlings describedabove. Subsequent to origination of the present variety of peach tree, Iasexually reproduced it by budding and grafting in the experimentalorchard described above, and such reproduction of plant and fruitcharacteristics were true to the original plant in all respects. Thereproduction of the variety included the use of ‘Nemaguard’ (unpatented)rootstock upon which the present variety was compatible and true totype.

The present variety is similar to its seed parent, ‘52P566’ (unpatented)nectarine, by producing fruit that is firm, nearly full red in skincolor, and that matures in mid September, but is quite distinguishedtherefrom by producing fruit that is white instead of yellow in fleshcolor, that is freestone instead of clingstone in type, and that is apeach instead of nectarine.

The present variety is most similar to its pollen parent ‘Snow Duchess’peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,281) by producing peaches that are whitein flesh color, mostly red to pink in skin color, globose in shape, andfreestone in type, but is distinguished therefrom by producing fruitthat is larger in size and that matures about thirty days later.

The present variety is similar to ‘Pearl Princess V’ peach (U.S. PlantPat. No. 19,919) by having reniform leaf glands, by requiring close to500 chilling hours, and by producing fruit that is yellowish white inflesh color, mostly red to pink in skin color, freestone in type, firmin texture, globose in shape, and has a bitter tasting kernel. However,the present variety differs from the ‘Pearl Princess V’ by producingfruit that is somewhat larger in size, not quite as sweet, and bymaturing about 75 days later.

The present variety is similar to ‘Snow Princess’ peach (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 12,570) by having reniform leaf glands and by producing fruit thatis nearly white in flesh color, mostly red to pink in skin color,freestone in type, firm in texture, globose in shape, and has a bittertasting kernel. However, the present variety differs from ‘SnowPrincess’ by producing fruit that matures about forty days later.

SUMMARY OF VARIETY

In summary, the present variety is characterized by a small size,somewhat weak in vigor, hardy, self-fertile, productive and regularbearing tree. The variety blooms during the early to mid season andrequires about 475 chilling hours. The fruit matures under theecological conditions described in mid September, with first picking onSep. 13, 2011. The fruit is uniformly large in size, globose in shape,freestone in type, firm and melting in texture, white in flesh color,mostly red to pink in skin color, and lightly acidic in flavor.

DRAWING

The accompanying photograph consists of four whole fruits positioned todisplay the characteristics of the skin color and form, one dividedfruit to reveal the flesh and stone, two insets to reveal buds andblossoms, and typical leaves.

POMOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Referring now more specifically to the pomological characteristics ofthis new and distinct variety of peach tree, the following has beenobserved under the ecological conditions prevailing near Le Grand,Merced County (San Joaquin Valley), Calif., and was developed at thestate of firm ripe on Sep. 20, 2011, on the original tree during itsseventh growing season. The blossom and flower descriptions were madethe previous blooming season. All major color code designations are byreference to the Inter-Society Color Council, National Bureau ofStandards. Common color names are also used occasionally.

PARENTAGE

-   Seed parent: ‘52P566’ (unpatented) nectarine.-   Pollen parent: ‘Snow Duchess’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,281) peach.

TREE

-   Size: Small, reaching and maintaining a height of 8′ [2.44 m.] and a    spread of 4′ [1.22 m.] after seven growing seasons utilizing typical    dormant pruning.-   Vigor: Medium to weak vigor, responding typically to irrigation and    fertilization. The variety grows about 3′ [0.91 m.] of surplus    top-growth during the spring and summer. The plant should be grown    on a standard commercial rootstock for production purposes.-   Growth: Upright and dense.-   Form: Vase form.-   Hardiness: Hardy with respect to central California winters.-   Heat tolerance: Observed to perform adequately in typical central    California climatic conditions, which typically include extended    periods of heat.-   Drought tolerance: Variety is developed for commercial orchards and    requires regular irrigation.-   Production: Productive, thinning necessary.-   Fertility: Self-fertile.-   Bearing: Regular bearer with no alternate bearing yet observed.-   Approximate chilling requirement: 475 hours.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Slender, reaching a maximum diameter of 2¼″ [57.2 mm.]            after the seventh growing season.        -   Texture.—Smooth.        -   Bark color.—A Light brownish gray [63. l.brGy] and Moderate            brown [58. m.Br] variegation with Dark grayish brown [62.            d.gy.Br] crevices present.        -   Lenticels.—Approximate Number Per Square Inch: 10. Color:            Deep orange yellow [69. deep OY]. Size: ¼″ [6.4 mm.] to            7/16″ [11.1 mm.]. Shape: Eye-shaped, elongated.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Diameter of limb is 1¾″ [44.5 mm.] measured 12″ above            the crotch, 1″ [25.4 mm.] measured 12″ above the first fork.        -   Texture.—Smooth on first and second year wood, increasing            roughness with age.        -   Color.—1st Year Wood Topside: Grayish red [19. gy.R]. 1st            Year Wood Underside: Brilliant yellow green [116. brill.YG].            Older Wood: Deep yellowish brown [75. deep yBr].        -   Lenticels.—Number Per Square Inch: About 70 on second year            wood. Color: Light yellowish brown [76. l.yBr]. Size: 1/64″            [0.4 mm.] to 1/16″ [1.6 mm.] on second year wood. Shape:            Eye-shaped, elongated.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average Length: 6″ [152.4 mm.].            Average Width: 1¾″ [44.5 mm.].        -   Arrangement.—Alternate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Form.—Elliptical.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Acute, with an average base angle of 80 degrees.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Color.—Dorsal Surface: Moderate olive green [125. m.OlG].            Ventral Surface: Moderate yellow green [120. m.YG].        -   Margin.—Finely serrate.        -   Venation.—Pinnately net veined.        -   Vein color.—Light yellow green [119. l.YG].        -   Petiole.—Average Length: ½″ [12.7 mm.]. Average Thickness:            3/32″ [2.4 mm.]. Color: Brilliant yellow green [116.            brill.YG].        -   Stipules.—Number: Usually 2 per leaf, up to 6 per growing            tip. Average Length: ⅜″ [9.5 mm.]. Color: Light yellow green            [119. l.YG] becoming Light grayish yellowish brown [79.            l.gy.yBr] with maturity.        -   Glands.—Number: 2 to 4 per leaf. Position: Alternately            positioned on petiole, near intersection of petiole and base            of blade. Size: Medium. Form: Reniform. Color: Brilliant            yellow green [116. brill.YG] becoming Dark yellowish brown            [78. d.yBr] with age.        -   Leaf buds.—Pointed, medium in size.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Hardiness.—Hardy, with respect to central California            winters.        -   Diameter.—Typically ⅜″ [9.5 mm.] 1 week before bloom.        -   Length.—Typically 11/16″ [17.5 mm.] 1 week before bloom.        -   Form.—Not appressed.        -   Surface.—Pubescent.        -   Tip color.—Light purplish pink [249. l.pPk].-   Flowers: Perfect, complete, perigynous, usually a single pistil,    typically about thirty stamens, five sepal and petal locations    alternately positioned.    -   -   Type.—Showy, large.        -   Average flower diameter.—2⅛″ [53.4 mm.].        -   Number of petals.—Five, extra petal fragments are observed            occasionally.        -   Petal shape.—Circular to oval.        -   Petal margin.—Entire, somewhat wavy.        -   Average petal diameter.— 13/16″ [20.6 mm.].        -   Average petal length.—⅞″ [22.2 mm.].        -   Petal apex.—Rounded.        -   Petal base.—Rounded to somewhat truncate.        -   Petal color.—Pale pink [7. p.Pk] toward the apex, Light            purplish pink [249. l.pPk] toward the base on both sides.        -   Anther color.—Moderate orange [53. m.O] over a Light yellow            [86. l.Y] center at bloom onset.        -   Stigma color.—Pale yellow green [121. p.YG].        -   Sepal color.—Dark purplish red [259. d.pR] on the outer            surface.        -   Sepal length.—¼″ [6.4 mm.].        -   Sepal width.— 3/16″ [4.8 mm.].        -   Sepal apex.—Rounded to elliptical to match the sepal length            and width.        -   Sepal margin.—Fairly smooth.        -   Average pistil length.— 11/16″ [17.5 mm.].        -   Average stamen length.— 9/16″ [14.3 mm.].        -   Fragrance.—Moderate.        -   Blooming period.—Early to medium, five days after ‘Snow            Princess’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,570) peach.        -   Onset of bloom.—One percent on Feb. 20, 2011.        -   Date of full bloom.—Mar. 2, 2011.        -   Duration of bloom.—One to two weeks, dependent on ambient            temperature.        -   Number per cluster.—1 to 3 with single flowers most common.

FRUIT

-   Maturity when described: Firm ripe, Sep. 20, 2011.-   Date of first picking: Sep. 13, 2011.-   Date of last picking: Sep. 27, 2011.-   Size: Uniform, large.    -   -   Average diameter axially.—3¼″ [82.6 mm.].        -   Average diameter across suture plane.—3½″ [88.9 mm.].        -   Average diameter across cheek plane.—3½″ [88.9 mm.]        -   Typical weight.—12.9 ounces [365.7 grams].-   Form: Uniform, globose, slightly asymmetrical.    -   -   Longitudinal section form.—Oval to circular.        -   Axial view.—Circular with a slight suture bulge.-   Suture: Extends from the base, along the side, to the pistil point.    -   -   Near the base.—A shallow groove.        -   Along the side.—A distinct line.        -   Near the apex.—A shallow groove.-   Ventral surface: Rounded, lipped throughout.-   Lips: Slightly unequal.-   Cavity: Flaring, circular to slightly elongated in the suture plane,    suture showing on one side, Yellowish white [92. yWhite] stem    markings typical.    -   -   Depth.—¾″ [19.1 mm.].        -   Breadth.—1 7/16″ [36.5 mm.].-   Base: Truncate.-   Apex: Rounded, with very few mammiform.-   Pistil point: Apical, very short in length, usually depressed within    the suture.-   Stem: Medium.    -   -   Average length.—⅜″ [9.5 mm.].        -   Average width.— 3/16″ [4.8 mm.].-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—Non-astringent.        -   Tendency to crack.—None observed in dry season.        -   Color.—Moderate red [15. m.R] smoothly blending into Pale            yellowish pink [31. p.yPk] with some Pale yellow [89. p.Y]            sun protected areas.        -   Down.—Short, does not roll up when rubbed.-   Flesh:    -   -   Color.—Yellowish white [92. yWhite] with Moderate red [15.            m.R] bleeding around the stone.        -   Surface of pit cavity.—Covered with Dark reddish orange [38.            d.rO] fibers.        -   Amygdalin.—Scarce.        -   Juice.—Moderate, rich.        -   Texture.—Firm, tough. meaty.        -   Fibers.—Few, fine, tender.        -   Ripens.—Earlier toward the apex.        -   Flavor.—A tasty balance of sugar with slight acid, typically            16 brix.        -   Aroma.—Moderate.        -   Eating quality.—Good.

STONE

-   Type: Freestone.-   Form: Oval.-   Hilum: Narrow.-   Base: Acute.-   Apex: Rounded to flat.-   Sides: Equal.-   Surface: Irregularly furrowed throughout, pitted toward the base.-   Ridges: Slightly jagged.-   External color: Grayish reddish brown [46. gy.rBr].-   Pit wall color when cracked: Light reddish brown [42. l.rBr].-   Cavity surface color: Moderate olive [107. m.Ol].-   Average pit wall thickness: ¼″ [6.4 mm.]-   Average width: 1 1/16″ [27.0 m.].-   Average length: 1½″ [38.1 mm.].-   Average breadth: ¾″ [19.1 mm.].-   Tendency to split: None observed.-   Kernel:    -   -   Form.—Oval.        -   Skin color.—Strong yellowish brown [74. s.yBr] when first            removed.        -   Pellicle color.—Deep yellowish brown [75. deep yBr].        -   Vein color.—Deep yellowish brown [75. deep yBr].        -   Taste.—Bitter.        -   Viable.—Yes.        -   Average width.— 9/16″ [14.3 mm.].        -   Average length.— 13/16″ [20.6 mm.].        -   Amygdalin.—Moderate.

USE

-   Market: Fresh market and long distance shipping.-   Keeping quality: Good, fruit quality observed to remain in good    condition after 17 days in standard cold room at 36° Fahrenheit [2°    Celsius].-   Shipping quality: Good.-   Resistance to insects: No unusual susceptibilities noted.-   Resistance to diseases: No unusual susceptibilities noted.

OTHER NOTES

Although the new variety of peach tree possesses the describedcharacteristics under the ecological conditions at Le Grand, Calif., inthe central part of the San Joaquin Valley, it is to be expected thatvariations in these characteristics may occur when farmed in areas withdifferent climatic conditions, different soil types, and/or varyingcultural practices.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree, substantially asillustrated and described, that is most similar to its pollen parent‘Snow Duchess’ peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,281) by producing peachesthat are white in flesh color, mostly red to pink in skin color, globosein shape, and freestone in type, but is distinguished therefrom byproducing fruit that is larger in size and that matures about thirtydays later.